2017 Winter Festival Moves West

Don't let the unusually warm weather fool you- it's still winter in Wisconsin. This weekend the Madison Winter Festival will celebrate all things winter at its new location in Elver Park. Festival planners say the new location offers many perks for the festival, which was previously held downtown.

"Not only does Elver Park entertain great resources for outdoor activities, the venue also accommodates participants and spectators with indoor facilities equipped with bathrooms, concessions and a warm shelter. Elver Park also maintains the easiest access to artificial snow in Madison to ensure that the events listed in the program can be held despite lack of natural snow coverage," says Irina Komarova, festival director.

Events include a "Fat Bike" race (bikes with wide tires), a skijor race (skiing with your dog), ice sculpting and more traditional events like cross country skiing, ice hockey, sledding and snowshoeing. Registration is available in advance, or on-site for most events. Admission is free.

The warm weather won't affect the planned events. Elver Park management has helped the festival by making and stockpiling snow all winter. The Winter Festival will open on Saturday morning, and last through Sunday. Stop in at Elver Park and enjoy the fun. There is still much winter left to celebrate!